One of the most anticipated things to watch for was how the linebacker group would shape up. Rookies Uchenna Nwosu and Kyzir White have shined thus far. Denzel Perryman has looked like the LB we are used to seeing, and Jatavis Brown has taken a bit of a step back.

Meanwhile, one of the biggest surprises has been Hayes Pullard. He ranked No. 83 overall in 2017 at his position with a grotesque Pro Football Focus grade of 37.2 after Perryman missed the first half of the season and didn’t play Week 17 against the Jets.

In yesterday’s game, he shined against the Saints where he played 32 snaps. He earned four run stops, the most on the team, and surrendered three yards on just one reception, per PFF. Since then, he has made some big strides in training camp and preseason action and has looked far more explosive and just a better overall athlete.

Currently listed as No. 2 on the team’s depth chart behind Perryman, Pullard has made his case to retain his roster spot heading into 2018. Hopefully he continues to produce and show he is worthy in case the veteran LB in Perryman were to miss time.